By Toyin Adeniyi
Founder of Encounter Jesus Ministry International, Apostle Michael Orokpo has opened up about some of the most painful moments of his life as a Christian, revealing that the death of his mother once drove him back into a life of sin despite his deep commitment to God at the time.
Orokpo who holds a PHD in Chemistry spoke during an interview shared on Priesthood Facebook page monitored by Church Times
He recounted how the loss of his mother in 2010 left him spiritually shattered and bitter.
According to him, his mother had been an intercessor all her life, and her sudden death deeply affected him.
The grief, he said, pushed him into rebellion. “I wanted to do something that would pain God,” he said, adding that he returned to alcoholism and clubbing for about a year between 2010 and 2011.
Orokpo said the experience however became one of the many difficult seasons that shaped his spiritual journey.
The preacher also recalled another devastating moment in 2017 when his only brother died despite intense prayers and fasting. “I did all the praying, I did all the fasting… but he still died,” he said.
The loss, he explained, left him emotionally broken for months. “It was like an arrow thrust into my soul. The scriptures didn’t make sense. Nothing made sense to me,” he said, describing how he would often go to lonely places just to weep.
Despite the tragedy, Orokpo said he continued his ministerial duties.
According to him, after his brother died, he had to teach at a Bible school the following day because he was responsible for the week’s lectures.
He explained that during the period his brother was in a coma, he spent his days teaching and his nights at the hospital.
The preacher also spoke about another difficult period about three years ago when controversies arose concerning his ministerial assignment and his relationship with his mentor, with several accusations made against him.
He said he publicly apologized multiple times and even knelt to beg in an attempt to resolve the situation.
The experience, he noted, began to affect his preaching until he felt the Holy Spirit caution him that the situation was beginning to corrupt his priesthood.
According to him, God eventually sent someone who helped him through that season.
Reflecting on the difficult experiences, Orokpo said they strengthened his resolve to remain committed to God’s purpose. “What I gained from those encounters is that all I want is to please God and do His will,” he said.
